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How fast will my bamboo grow?

How fast will my bamboo grow?

One of the questions we’re constantly asked is – how fast will bamboo grow?

Well like anything this really depends on the species and the conditions it grows in. But as a general rule, you can expect a bamboo plant to reach it’s full height within 2-3 seasons and to maturity within 4-6 seasons. From there it will then continue to thicken out and become more lush.

What you’ll also notice is that as the poles grow, they will increase in size. So the larger the diameter the newer the pole is! So keep an eye on those new shoots coming up as you’ll notice they are increasing in size.

Bamboo likes lots of water, but to be well drained (remember be sure to water your bamboo to saturation for the first few weeks while it is establishing itself when first planted). For sandy and compact soil conditions you might find your bamboo grows on the smaller end of the scale. And for any in pots, the bamboo will grow to the size of the pot – keep in mind you’ll need to provide it more food and nutrients in a pot as it can’t get it from the ground.

Happy growing and please let us know if you have any questions!

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FAQs

Planting Advice

How many bamboos will I need?

In residential areas, it is typical to space plants 80cm - 1.5m apart. Adjacent to a colourbond fence, the recommendation is to plant one at each post and one in between, which results in a 1.2m gap between plants.

How do I prune and maintain bamboo plants?

Pruning and maintenance are essential for keeping bamboo healthy and attractive in the garden... but it's not as often or time consuming as you'd think! Typically bamboo only really needs to be pruned once or twice a year. To prune and maintain your bamboo, just cut the culm (pole/shoot) at the height you want. That bamboo culm then grows no taller than the height you pruned. You can also remove older culms, and conduct routine maintenance tasks like fertilising, watering, and pest control for optimal health and appearance. For more tips you can head to our Garden Coach page.

Does bamboo grow out of control?

Our lovely clumping bamboo plants have shallow roots, with NON-invasive rootballs that grow in a neat circular footprint. They actually have fine fibrous grass-like roots that are much safer than most palms and trees! Similar to a ginger plant you eat. For added peace of mind, consider installing a root barrier. Explore our Garden Coach section for an informative article on bamboo care and containment methods.

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